Capitoline Museum

Welcome to the world’s first museum! The Capitoline Museums (plural because it's in four buildings atop one of Rome's famous Seven Hills) has a fascinating collection of art and artifacts all telling the fascinating history of Rome.

In 1734 Pope Clementine XII decided to make a significant collection of artwork and ancient sculptures permanently accessible to the people of Rome. With this magnanimous act, he created the world's first museum - it's on top of one of the Seven Hills of Rome, overlooking the Ancient Roman Forum. It's a melting pot of history.

See the famous she-wolf sculpture featuring Rome's founders Romulus and Remus, and see a treasure chest of items telling the story of Rome, the ancient Caput Mundi.